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Poplar sewer operator warns School District of Maple could face $40-per‑pound phosphorus charge under pending permit
Summary
Operator in Charge Josh Pearson told the Village of Poplar Sewer Commission that a draft wastewater permit out for public review could require charging the School District of Maple $40 per pound to remove phosphorus above a 5.0 mg/L limit, plus administrative fees and fines.
At its May 5 meeting, the Village of Poplar Sewer Commission heard from Operator in Charge Josh Pearson that a draft wastewater permit could impose a $40-per‑pound fee to remove phosphorus from school effluent when levels exceed a 5.0 milligrams per liter threshold.
Pearson said he had received correspondence from Lisa Totten about sewer rates pending information from the new permit and that, in addition to the $40-per‑pound removal charge, the district could face administrative fees and fines if its effluent exceeds the 5.0 mg/L phosphorus limit. The commission was told the sewer system will continue biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing and that the School District of Maple will check its cleaning products to reduce phosphorus in discharge.
The commission was also informed that the draft permit is out for public review on June 24, 2026. Pearson requested that a couple of manholes be inspected this year; the transcript notes Aaron Lenmark has been taking readings at the lift stations.
The report did not include estimated annual cost impacts for the School District of Maple beyond the stated $40-per‑pound figure, nor did the transcript include any direct responses from school officials. The commission did not record any additional motions or formal actions tied to the permit discussion at this meeting.
